by J. Stephen Pope
Here are seven great businesses that you can operate from your home.
An affiliate or associate program is a method of selling products on the internet through commission sales. When someone you refer to a website buys, the company you are an affiliate of pays you a commission. In many cases, it is also possible to make money from the efforts of people that you introduce to the affiliate program. You can expand your product line by joining and promoting more than one affiliate program. Finally, you can operate your own affiliate program to promote the sale of your own products and services.
2. Internet Auctions
Many thousands now make their living or fortune from selling products and services on eBay and similar auction sites. So can you!
Drop shipping is a method of selling products without stocking inventory yourself. When you make a sale you contact the manufacturer or authorized distributor who ships it to the customer with your invoice and shipping label. Advantages include no warehousing, shipping, or inventory costs.
4. Finder's Fees
Finder's fees are paid for finding money (loans, equipment leasing, et cetera), equipment (mining, construction, et cetera), personnel, companies for sale, locations (fast food franchises, vending machines, et cetera) and just about anything else that people are willing to pay for. Simply match sellers with buyers and you can earn finder's fees.
5. Self-Publishing
A self-publisher creates, produces, and sells information products. Information products may be in the form of books, booklets, videos, audio cassettes, compact disks (CDs), electronic books, files, databases, private websites, and other media. The information products that you create are unique. You have exclusive control and ownership of your own information products.
6. International Trade
You can import products for resale from foreign manufacturers, distributors, and other suppliers. You can also extend your reach worldwide to customers by means of exporting, mail order and Internet marketing. As an Export Management Agent, you could earn commissions arranging for other domestic companies to sell their products to foreign corporations.
7. Consulting
Consultants charge large fees for their knowledge, expertise, skills, connections, experience, and other assets. This business can be operated from home with little more than standard office equipment and supplies.